'Soviet attitudes framed local culture as backward': the record label standing up to Russian imperialism

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Topsy-Turvy Graveyard

In May 2022, musician Bulat Khalilov found himself at odds with a policeman in Nalchik, a southern Russian city, while attending a demonstration commemorating the Circassian victims of Russo-Circassian war. Despite being there to protest against Russia's invasion of Ukraine, he was unexpectedly praised for his music by the officer, who cited Khalilov as an inspiration from Ored Recordings, the label co-founded by Khalilov and Timur Kodzoko.

Khalilov and Kodzoko are behind "punk ethnography," a genre of music that documents Circassian chants, laments, displacement songs, and other local traditions to fight against the erasure of Circassian culture. This approach highlights the significance of diaspora voices in shaping Circassian history.

Circassian music is distinct from Russian culture, shaped primarily by voice, memory, and social function rather than performance or spectacle. The music features modal melodies, sustained tones, and subtle ornamentation, which distinguishes it from Western harmonic development.

Ored Recordings has been instrumental in preserving this unique cultural heritage through annual releases on May 21st, Circassian Day of Mourning, highlighting the importance of music as a tool for mourning loss and asserting continuity. The label's approach to documenting diaspora voices and promoting archival projects aims to coexist different communities safely and freely.

Khalilov, who is of Circassian ancestry and born in Nalchik, notes that his own generation was often skeptical about their culture and traditional music, feeling it was old-fashioned or irrelevant. However, they strongly felt they were not Russian, even though this definition remained unclear.

The label's relocation to Germany has expanded their connection with the Circassian diaspora, providing new experimental directions through collaborations with other artists. Ored Recordings continues its commitment to regional work and archival projects, including an upcoming album by Karachay band Gollu and collaborations with musicians from the Nogai ethnic minority.

Khalilov emphasizes that the value of music lies not in abstract sadness but in understanding the stories behind it – tied to genocide, displacement, language loss, and everyday colonial conditions. By speaking about these historical problems, he believes that change can be achieved, ensuring a more inclusive narrative.
 
The thing is, I'm really loving this "punk ethnography" vibe from Ored Recordings 🎸🔥... like, it's so important to preserve the Circassian culture and all that jazz. But, what if they just didn't have to rely on being tied to Russia's invasion of Ukraine? Can't they just focus on promoting their own music without bringing up all that drama? 🤦‍♂️ I mean, I get it, it's a powerful message, but can't we just vibe on the music alone? 🎵 Also, Germany seems like a weird choice for relocating - isn't Russia where they're from? 🤔 Just saying, maybe Ored Recordings should stick with what they know best...
 
OMG, you won't believe what's happening with Bulat Khalilov 🤯! So, like, he was protesting in Nalchik for the Circassian victims of the Russo-Circassian war and this cop is just chillin' to his music 💥? But what's even more dope is that Ored Recordings is all about preserving Circassian culture and history through their "punk ethnography" genre 🎶. It's like, they're not just making music, they're documenting the struggles of the diaspora and fighting against erasure.

I'm loving how Khalilov is using his platform to share the stories behind his music – it's all about understanding the context and the historical problems that led to this cultural loss 🌱. And now, with their relocation to Germany, Ored Recordings is connecting with more people and creating new sounds. This is some amazing stuff, you guys! 💖
 
🎶 you know what's wild? Circassian music is like this super unique, under-the-radar thing that's been around for centuries, but it's only now getting the recognition it deserves 🙌. And Ored Recordings, man... they're like the unsung heroes of preserving cultural heritage 💪. I mean, who would've thought that a genre like "punk ethnography" could be so powerful in documenting diaspora voices and promoting archival projects? It's like, this music isn't just about mourning loss, it's about asserting continuity and telling stories that need to be told 📚.

And Bulat Khalilov is like the perfect example of why cultural exchange is so important 💕. I mean, he's of Circassian ancestry, but he's also been a part of this Russian music scene for years... and now Ored Recordings has expanded their reach, collaborating with other artists from different communities 🌎. It's not just about the music itself, it's about creating a space where everyone can feel safe and included.

I think that's what I love most about Ored Recordings - they're not just preserving cultural heritage, they're also using it as a tool for change 💪. And that's something we could all learn from 🤓.
 
I'm literally so frustrated when I think about how our generation's relationship with our cultural heritage is being erased! 🤯 Like, Bulat Khalilov and Timur Kodzoko are doing the most amazing work with Ored Recordings, preserving these incredible traditions and making them accessible to a new audience. But at the same time, it's like, where was this kind of recognition coming from all those years ago? 🤔

I mean, think about it - Khalilov himself had to grow up feeling like his culture wasn't relevant or old-fashioned. That's such a painful experience, and I can only imagine how hard it must be for him and the other musicians on Ored Recordings to keep fighting against erasure. It's like, we need more people who are passionate about preserving these stories and experiences! 💖

And honestly, I think that's what's so beautiful about punk ethnography - it's not just about music; it's about using your voice to speak truth to power and bring attention to historical injustices. Khalilov is right when he says that the value of music lies in understanding the stories behind it. It's like, we need more of these kinds of narratives, you know? 🎵
 
🎵 just thinkin' about this "punk ethnography" genre is really powerful 🤯, it's like they're takin' the old traditions and makin' 'em fresh again, you know? 💫 got me thinkin', how many cultures are out there just waitin' to be documented and shared with the world? 🌎 also, it's crazy that music can be so tied to identity and history, like, if we lose our cultural heritage, we lose a part of ourselves 😔.
 
You know what's really cool? This musician Bulat Khalilov is totally changing the game by using his music to preserve Circassian culture! I mean, it's amazing how something as beautiful as music can bring people together and make them proud of their heritage.

And can you imagine being a part of this punk ethnography genre? It's like they're taking these traditional chants and laments and making them relevant again for a whole new generation. I love how Ored Recordings is keeping it real by releasing music on Circassian Day of Mourning – it's such a powerful way to acknowledge the past while celebrating their culture.

I also think it's awesome that Khalilov is breaking down barriers between communities. As someone who's not even Circassian, I can see how his music can bring people together and make them feel more connected to something bigger than themselves.

And let's be real, who wouldn't want to collaborate with other artists from the Nogai ethnic minority? It's like they're opening doors to a whole new world of sounds and experiences. Okay, okay, I'm getting excited just thinking about it! 🎵💖
 
🤔 This "punk ethnography" thing is actually really interesting... music's like a way to hold onto memory and culture when the world around you changes 🌎 I mean, it's not just some nostalgic trip down memory lane, but also about how those stories shape us into who we are today. It's all about reclaiming and redefining what makes us unique in the face of cultural erasure 😊
 
THE MUSIC OF THE CIRCASSIANS IS SO POWERFUL IT CAN TOUCH YOUR SOUL 😊. I MEAN, THINK ABOUT IT - A GENRE THAT DOCUMENTS THEIR HISTORY AND STRUGGLES, BUT ALSO CELEBRATES THEIR RESILIENCE 🌟. IT'S NOT JUST ABOUT THE NOTES ON PAPER, IT'S ABOUT THE STORIES BEHIND THEM, THE EMOTIONS, THE MEMORIES 😭. Bulat Khalilov and Ored Recordings are doing something truly special here - they're not just preserving their culture, but also giving a voice to the voiceless 💪.
 
omg 🤯 i love how bulat khalilov & timur kodzoko are fighting for circassian culture 🌎💥 it's so important to preserve our heritage and share the stories behind the music ❤️🎶 khalilov's generation was all about denying their roots, but now they're like "hey, we got a rich history too!" 😂👍 ored recordings is doing amazing work preserving circassian chants & laments 📚💫 and it's so cool to see them collaborating with other artists from different communities 🤝🌈
 
I just found out about this Ored Recordings label and I'm totally intrigued 🤯. The way they're keeping the Circassian culture alive through music is so important. I mean, we need to preserve these unique traditions before they get lost forever ⏰. It's not often that you see music being used as a tool for mourning loss and asserting continuity, but it makes total sense when you think about it 🎶. The fact that the label is working with artists from different ethnic backgrounds is also really cool 👥. What I love most about this story is how Bulat Khalilov's own experiences shaped his music, he's not just some musician making noise, he's actually fighting for a cause 💖. We should totally be supporting labels like Ored Recordings and giving them the recognition they deserve 🙌.
 
i'm thinking about this Ored Recordings thing rn... how cool is it that someone's music can bring people together like that? i mean, Bulat Khalilov's Circassian chants are all about preserving their culture and history, which is so important, especially when there's been a lot of erasure. i feel the same way about our school's cultural days - we should be celebrating our diversity, not ignoring it 🎉. and the fact that Ored Recordings is collaborating with other artists from different backgrounds is awesome too... like, music can really break down barriers 💪.
 
So what's up with this Ored Recordings thing? 🤔 They're trying to save the Circassian culture and all that jazz from being erased by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. It's kinda cool how they're using music as a way to tell these stories and keep it alive for future generations.

I mean, I can see why the policeman was stoked on Bulat Khalilov's music - it's definitely unique and gives me chills when I listen to it 😌. But what's even more interesting is how this whole project is about giving voice to people who feel like their culture is being forgotten or marginalized.

It's crazy to think that the Circassian music has its own distinct style, shaped by voice and memory rather than performance or spectacle. And the way Ored Recordings documents these traditions and promotes archival projects is really inspiring 💪. I love how they're pushing boundaries and exploring new experimental directions through collaborations with other artists.

For me, what's most compelling about this whole thing is that it's not just about music - it's about understanding the stories behind it and using that to spark change 🌟. Bulat Khalilov is saying that if we can listen to these stories and understand where they come from, maybe we can create a more inclusive narrative and prevent history from getting lost in translation. That's really powerful stuff 💯.
 
I gotta say, this Ored Recordings is doing some amazing work preserving Circassian culture 🎶💕. I mean, think about it, music has the power to bring people together and share their stories, which is exactly what Khalilov and Kodzoko are doing. It's not just about showcasing their heritage but also about breaking down barriers between communities 🌐.

I can relate to how Khalilov felt about his own culture being viewed as old-fashioned or irrelevant 🤔. But I think that's where the beauty of punk ethnography comes in – it's a way to reclaim and celebrate our roots, even if they're not widely understood or appreciated. And by sharing their music on Circassian Day of Mourning, they're creating a sense of community and shared experience among people who might otherwise feel disconnected from each other ❤️.

It's all about understanding the stories behind the music and using it as a tool for change 📚💪. I'm loving how Ored Recordings is expanding its reach through collaborations with other artists and archival projects 🌈. Keep spreading that message of inclusivity and cultural exchange, guys 👍!
 
🤔 the label's approach is dope, they're doing real work with preserving circassian culture...it's wild how some ppl r skeptical about their own heritage 🙄...anyway, music can be super powerful in raising awareness & sparking change 💪...it's all about understanding the stories behind it, not just the sadness 😔
 
🌿🎶 I think its dope how music is bringing Circassian culture back to life. Like, people are discovering their heritage in a way that feels real and authentic. It's not just about the traditional sounds but also about the stories and struggles behind them 🗣️. For me, it's mind-blowing to see how this genre of "punk ethnography" is pushing boundaries and creating new connections between communities 🌎💖. The fact that Ored Recordings is doing its part by releasing music on Circassian Day of Mourning is a big deal – it's not just about preserving history but also about keeping those voices alive 💪🏽. I'm excited to see what the future holds for this movement and how it can continue to inspire change 🌟
 
I feel so bad for Bulat Khalilov when he got into that scuffle with the cop in Nalchik 🤕... but like, his music is literally changing lives and shedding light on Circassian history 🌟. I love how Ored Recordings is preserving this unique cultural heritage by releasing music on Circassian Day of Mourning - it's so beautiful 💔. The way Khalilov is using his platform to speak about the struggles and stories behind his culture is so powerful, you feel me? 🙏
 
I'm kinda surprised that a policeman actually praised Bulat Khalilov's music 🤔... I mean, wouldn't it be weird for someone in a uniform to appreciate punk ethnography? Like, doesn't that sound kinda radical or something? 😮 On the other hand, maybe the officer was just trying to fit in with the crowd, you know? In a way, his praise could be seen as an attempt to co-opt the music and make it more palatable for mainstream audiences... but at the same time, I don't want to dismiss the power of that moment completely – maybe it's actually about using art to break down barriers and create bridges between cultures 🌉? Ugh, my mind is all over the place today...
 
😊 I think it's so cool that Bulat Khalilov was able to turn his passion into something positive, especially with the policeman being a fan of his music! 🎵 It just goes to show how power of art can bring people together and help bridge gaps between communities. The way Ored Recordings is preserving Circassian culture is really inspiring too - it's amazing what we can achieve when we share our stories and traditions with others. 💕
 
I'm not sure how much I agree with this whole "punk ethnography" thing... I mean, is it really necessary to turn Circassian chants into punk songs? 🤔 It feels like they're trying to fit something old and sacred into a genre that's meant for anger and rebellion. And what about the fact that Ored Recordings was co-founded by two Russian men - don't you think their own privilege is at play here?

At the same time, I do appreciate how this music is helping to keep Circassian culture alive, especially with the annual releases on Circassian Day of Mourning. It's amazing how these musicians are using their platform to highlight the importance of diaspora voices and preserving cultural heritage.

I also love that Khalilov is emphasizing the value of understanding the stories behind this music - it's not just about abstract sadness or nostalgia, but about sharing experiences of colonization and displacement. That's what I think really matters here. The label's commitment to regional work and archival projects is also super cool, and collaborations with other artists from different ethnic minorities are a great way to promote inclusivity.

But overall... can we find a balance between preserving cultural heritage and not watering it down in the process? 🎶
 
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